Flywheel and Flexplate, what do they do exactly?
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Corona CA
Flywheel and Flexplate, what do they do exactly?
Hey guys, just wanted an explanation on what flywheels and flexplates do exactly, and what the differences between them are, functionality, weight, size, etc. I cracked my flexplate and am in the search for a high performance or heavy duty flexplate, so I'd like to be informed on what they do exactly before I talk the talk. Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Re: Flywheel and Flexplate, what do they do exactly? (84Coyote)
Flexplates are used to start car. Starter engages them yo spin motor. It gives your torque converter something to bolt to. It also stores and transfers energy. Light flexplates allow engine to rev quicker heavy accellerates slower. some are made better and sfi certified for racing. If you buy one it must be correct diameter and have correct balance. Internal external or late model external.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
Re: Flywheel and Flexplate, what do they do exactly? (84Coyote)
Flywheels and flexplates bolt to the crankshaft, and the clutch bolts to a flywheel and the torque converter bolts to a flexplate. They transfer the engine power to the next item in the drivetrain. The flywheel also plays a role in the clutch operation. Flywheel weight can be used to tune the inertia for launching or quick revving ability. All flexplates are light, compared to a flywheel. Flexplate weight generally has no influience for tuning purposes. There is nothing special about a "Corvette" flexplate. A standard replacement flexplate will be the operating duplicate of what you had. There are special, heavy duty, "SFI" approved flexplates (flywheels, too) that are required by the sanctioning bodies if your car is fast enough. You need an "SFI" certified flexplate if you are running 9.99 or quicker and/or 135nph or more, in the 1/4 mile at an NHRA sanctioned track. You also need a trans shield, if you're running 10.99 and faster. If you need the flexplate, you will also be at the point of scrapping your roll bar for a roll cage. Is that where you are?
What is it that you want from your new heavy duty flexplate? Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
I cracked my flexplate and am in the search for a high performance or heavy duty flexplate, so I'd like to be informed on what they do exactly before I talk the talk. Thanks!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 604
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Re: Flywheel and Flexplate, what do they do exactly? (CFI-EFI)
Well, with the addition of my 2400 stall torque converter, and the addition of more torque and horsepower, plus harder driving, I figure I need a beefier flexplate. What do you think?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Re: Flywheel and Flexplate, what do they do exactly? (84Coyote)
I installed a 2600 rpm stall Vigilanti, over 2 years ago, on a 20 year old flexplate and have had no problems. I race mine EVERY week, in season. Twice, if I can. This IS my daily driver, also. If you'll sleep better at night with a heavier flexplate, go for it.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
